BUFFALO – With the exception of one goalie, the lineup the Sabres will dress for tonight’s preseason game against the Blue Jackets is likely the one they field for their season opener Oct. 1 in Columbus.
With only four preseason games and veterans who have played 100 NHL games now limited to just two appearances, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff figured he would put his main group together tonight against the Blue Jackets’ B team.
Among the 18 skaters on the roster, only forward Jiri Kulich played in Monday’s 4-1 road loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Ruff said Kulich, who hadn’t played a game since Nov. 1 as he recovered from a blood clot, will likely play every exhibition contest.
“That’ll be a test, for sure,” Ruff said. “I think a year off of hockey – highly competitive hockey – puts him in a situation to start to get comfortable on ice.”
Kulich skated 19 minutes, 39 seconds in Monday’s loss, the highest among Buffalo’s forwards. Winger Conor Sheary’s injury – he lost a tooth when he was elbowed in the face – forced Kulich to play wing and center, his natural position.
“It was a fake one anyways,” Ruff joked of Sheary’s tooth. “It’s not a real loss.”
Kulich said he must become accustomed to several things as he acclimates to game action.
“I think timing, filling the spot, shoulder checking more, not being too (excited) for the puck and just being patient, too,” he said.
Ruff said tonight’s goalies, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Colten Ellis, will both play. Ellis relieved Alex Lyon in the third period of Monday’s loss.
Tonight’s roster with the lines and defense pairs is below.
Forwards
Peyton Krebs, Tage Thompson and Josh Doan
Ryan McLeod, Josh Norris and Konsta Helenius
Zach Benson, Noah Ostlund and Jack Quinn
Kulich, Sam Carrick and Beck Malenstyn
Defense
Rasmus Dahlin and Mattias Samuelsson
Olen Zellweger and Owen Power
Conor Timmins and Louis Crevier